Photo courtesy of Peppler Funeral Home - Bordentown
Bordentown, New Jersey
Nov 4, 1945 – Jun 25, 2023
John S. Matthews, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at home, with his family by his side. Born in Georgetown, NJ, he had lived in Georgetown and Columbus before moving to Hamilton Township. John had worked for U.S. Steel in Fairless Hills, PA, and retired from Amtrak as a heavy equipment operator, after 26 years of service. John was born and raised on a farm, which attributed to his lifelong passion for farming. He shared his love of farming with all of his family, especially his nephew, Michael Matthews. He was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Trenton, and enjoyed participating in the “Lord’s Table”, providing food for those in need. His most rewarding role was that of Pop-Pop, and he treasured his grandchildren, as they treasured him. He lived for his family and will be deeply missed by all.
Predeceased by his parents Robert and Florence Matthews, his brothers: Joseph R., Donald A., and Shawn P. Matthews, and his sister: Rita Gail Eleuteri. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Elizabeth (BJ) Matthews. His two daughters and sons-in-law: Coleen and Thomas Clementson of Virginia Beach, VA, and Bridget and Michael Baill of Levittown, PA. His sisters: Jeanne and Florence Matthews of Imlaystown, and Eileen Foga of Hamilton Township. His sisters-in-law, Nancy Matthews of Columbus, and Mary Matthews of Jobstown. His sister-in-law and husband, Jacqueline and Vincent Cahill of Monmouth Junction. His three grandchildren: Brian Baill, Tommy and Molly Clementson, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, July 1, at 11 am, at Sacred Heart Church, 343 South Broad St., Trenton, NJ. Calling hours will be Friday, June 30, from 4 pm to 7 pm, and Saturday, July 1, from 9 am to 10 am at the Peppler Funeral Home, 122 Crosswicks St., Bordentown, NJ. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Ave., Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068, or at alznj.org, or to Sacred Heart Parish, 343 South Broad St., Trenton, NJ 08608.
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Real sorry to hear my favorite cousin growing up passed. I stayed on aunt Florence's farm a lot in the summer when I was young & John was my best buddy when I was there. He taught me how to drive a tractor, milk cows ,drive a truck ant a lot more. We even delivered a couple of calves. Great memories. I'll never forget his laugh.
Guy Diviaio
July 30, 2023 | North Port, FL | Family
RIP John. You were a pleasure to work with. You tirelessly cleared all the access roads so that everyone could get to where we needed to be. You will be missed by everyone who knew you.
Brian Bogarde
June 30, 2023 | Morrisville, PA | Coworker
When John and I were working at Amtrak we got laid off one winter. John would stop by my house once a week in Morrisville. We would have coffee, shoot the breeze, and then off we would go to the Conrail Train Yard to sign up for our weekly unemployment check of a measly $125 bucks. I enjoyed our weekly chats. He was good man and will be sadly missed.
Dan Maine
June 30, 2023 | Work
Single Tree
Vernon George, USS Co-Worker
June 30, 2023 | Wrightstown, NJ
RIP John.. Prayers to the family
Michael Palumbo
June 29, 2023 | Wellsville, PA | Coworker
In loving memory of a wonderful person. John We will love you and miss you always.
Thelma Thomas
June 28, 2023 | Trenton, NJ | Acquaintance
John was a great coworker. He had a great sense of humor.
Reggie-dusty Brown
June 28, 2023 | Rising Sun 21911, MD